January, 2009

I write this as Su Gordon just informed me you have two inches of ice under four or more inches of snow! Even so, Madge and I are eager to come to Rhinebeck to live and work with you. We expect to leave in about a week and get to Rhinebeck around the tenth of February, weather permitting.

As you read this, I will have been there for a couple weeks or so and we’ll be getting acquainted and perhaps making connections to other parts of our various lives. Our current rector here in Minneapolis says that connections are essential and committees are only important. I like that and it certainly speaks to the mindset of younger folk.

In addition to taking care of some basic responsibilities of worship, teaching and pastoral care I hope to be able to share my previous experience with interim ministries to help you think about your future.

I am including a picture of us at a restaurant/lodge near our northern Minnesota retreat near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It is beautiful there, but we are looking forward to enjoying the beauty of the Hudson River Valley and surroundings.

We have worshipped with you a couple times in the past and enjoyed your hospitality, and observed the warm spirit that Fr. Jerry described to us with his deep affection for you.

Warm regards,

Jay